Chapter five: The Estate
632 Words
The long drive out of the city was silent and tense. The black SUV cut through winding country roads surrounded by tall trees and distant hills. Zara sat stiffly in the back seat beside Mrs. Collins, her stomach twisted in knots.
She wanted to ask where they were going, but the stern woman’s expression warned her not to speak.
Hours passed.
It wasn’t until they turned onto a private road lined with iron gates and security towers that Zara realized just how powerful Adrian King truly was. She had never seen a place so grand. The gates alone looked more expensive than her entire neighborhood.
The SUV pulled up to the front of a massive white mansion — no, not a mansion… a palace.
Marble pillars stretched skyward, fountains danced in the courtyard, and sleek, expensive cars sat parked neatly in a long driveway. Staff in crisp uniforms stood in line by the entrance.
Zara’s heart pounded.
This was her new home.
The driver opened the door for her. Zara stepped out, feeling the weight of every watching eye on her.
“Come,” Mrs. Collins said curtly, leading the way up the steps and into the mansion.
The moment Zara crossed the threshold, she was greeted by grand chandeliers, polished marble floors, and walls lined with priceless art. Everything gleamed like something out of a luxury magazine.
A young maid approached, bowing slightly. “Welcome, madam.”
Zara managed a small smile, though she felt like an intruder in a world she didn’t belong to.
Mrs. Collins guided her through the main hall, pointing out doors and staircases. “This is the east wing. Your room is on the second floor. You are not permitted in the west wing under any circumstance. That is Mr. King’s private residence.”
Zara’s brows furrowed. “Why?”
The woman stopped and fixed Zara with a sharp stare. “Because those are the rules. Break them, and you’ll be removed.”
Zara bit her tongue. She wasn’t here to make trouble — at least not yet.
They continued down a hallway and entered a large, beautifully furnished bedroom. Soft cream walls, a grand four-poster bed, and a private balcony overlooking a garden filled with roses and white orchids.
“Your clothes and essentials are in the closet,” Mrs. Collins said. “Dinner is at seven. You’re expected to appear beside Mr. King for the announcement of your marriage to the staff.”
“Do I have to?” Zara asked quietly.
Mrs. Collins arched a brow. “You are his wife, legally and publicly. Play your part, madam.”
Without another word, she turned and left, the door closing firmly behind her.
Zara let out a long, trembling sigh and sat on the edge of the bed. She glanced at the diamond ring still on her finger — a symbol of a marriage built on lies and desperation.
How had her life ended up like this?
A knock sounded at the door.
“Come in,” she called softly.
The maid from earlier stepped in, carrying a tray with a glass of water and a note.
“This was left for you, madam.”
Zara took the note and unfolded it. The handwriting was neat, cold, and unmistakably Adrian’s.
“Stay out of my way, obey the rules, and maybe you’ll survive this. Disappoint me, and you’ll regret ever signing that contract.”
Her hands trembled as she read the words again.
What exactly had she gotten herself into?
A fresh knot of fear tightened in her chest. She placed the note down carefully and looked toward the balcony where the sun was beginning to set.
The estate was beautiful.
But it was starting to feel like a golden cage.
[To Be Continued…]
- Writer
